Marichu Tan, Cebu’s dame of eclecticism and colors, has manipulated the materials into voluminous trinkets, more sculptural than accessories. She ushers in smoothly a millennial’s point of view into her court—elegance with plenty of flourish.
Photographed by Mark Philip Dales
Fit for the modern woman—from the austere romance of minimalist fabric folding to softly sculpted shapes and reimagined suiting
—Marichu Tan bares the saving grace.
As the cloudless skies command for the rise of the hem, being a customer of her own design as well, she assures us that all figures can slip into any of these fun frocks.
She draws inspiration from “twinning”—this generation’s dialect for matching clothes between two friends. And when shot in a “selfie” frame, the young call it “twofie.”
All in trapeze silhouettes, a classic option that contraststhe detailing, peau de soie fabrics lend their natural weight to provide texture.
Solid origami appliqués govern the beauty of each item, a strength we have always been celebrating. Subtle beadwork sparkles on the puffed sleeves that just stand in between a sleek flower-strewn grove of embroidery on the bust.
Her type of draping is cascading, yet, architectural with small twistsand turns.
Paired with bright colors—what more could be as cheerful?
“I enjoy playing with colors. Ever since I was a child, I love making colorful dresses for my dolls,”says Marichu, an alumna of Slim’s Fashion and Art School, an institution founded by Philippine design legend Salvacion Lim-Higgins. She is also a graduate
of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at the University of San Carlos.
But for someone as immensely creative as her, it cannot be just twinning per se.
Over 25 years of running her eponymous clothing label (weddings, casuals, cocktails, including menswear), she develops it with the philosophy of progressing a collection —gradual transitions of element scattered in a series.
She is adept with it,having joined the Philippine Fashion Week several times where she introduced some trademarks: baseless embroidery, electric pleated palazzo trousers.
She knows it too well: where to exaggerate it right, where to tone it down.
In the spirit of summer—and we haven’t been this energized in ages—we’re embracing Marichu Tan, our little miss sunshine.
Colors, trends, and the next 25 years
We ask Marichu Tan what’s cool for the summer.
How should women choose the right color?
Women should choose colors that complement their physical features—skin color, shape.
Though every woman has a favorite that mostly fills in her closet, at the end of the day, she would pick to wear according to her mood.
Still, nothing is wrong with experimenting with colors until you can find what really fits you.
What are your favorite summer colors?
Tropical and rainbow colors.
You have been a fashion designer for more than 25 years.
What has always been your principle?
One can be a fashion plate without sacrificing comfort.
The most fulfilling part of staying this long is dreaming of a certain design and creating it into a reality.
Could bright colors add extra pounds?
No. It is about choosing the right silhouette that complements one’s size and figure.
I don’t think there’s an ideal shape as well because as a fashion designer, I would like celebrate individuality by honoring all body types.
If you look good, you feel good.
It’s not a cliché.
It’s reality.
And I wish to live with that in mind in the next 25 years of my career.
What are your forecasts for the remaining months of 2018?
Fringes will be back. Ruffles will dominate on sleeves and necklines. Floral embroideries will still be everyone’s love.